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Cluster Of Black Heads On The Chest When Squeezed Smells Like Sour Milk.
Question: I have a cluster of blackheads on my chest. They have been there for years. When I squeeze them, they smell like sour milk. How do I get rid of them?
Hi,
Thank you for the query.
Chest is a common site for blackheads, since there are lot of sebaceous glands over there.
Apart from excess sebum secretion, the other cause of black heads over there could be that the pores are getting blocked because of excess sweat or pollution or may be it is not getting cleaned properly. It can even be that you are using any moisturizer over the area or using a oily soap for bathing.
The smell is because of the oil or sebum trapped with in the gland.
The best way to get rid off it is to get it removed or extracted with the help of a comedome extractor. This can be best done by a Dermatologist. Once you get it removed you should use a Tretinoin cream locally over the area at night time which would prevent it from re-occurrence. And one should also keep the area clean using a anti acne soap(medicated) .
If this doesn't help then one can take oral retinoids for 5-6 months depending upon ones body weight. Oral Retinoids is a prescription based medicine and you should get it prescribed by a dermatologist only. There are certain blood tests which needs to be carried out before one takes retinoids, and there are certain precautions which needs to be taken once started.
The above medicines are not OTC, but then there are certain comedones/black head strips also available as OTC, which can be applied at night. This might help in taking away the clog.
Hope this answers your query. In case of any doubts, I am available for the follow ups.
Regards,
Dr.Bharat chawda.
Thank you for the query.
Chest is a common site for blackheads, since there are lot of sebaceous glands over there.
Apart from excess sebum secretion, the other cause of black heads over there could be that the pores are getting blocked because of excess sweat or pollution or may be it is not getting cleaned properly. It can even be that you are using any moisturizer over the area or using a oily soap for bathing.
The smell is because of the oil or sebum trapped with in the gland.
The best way to get rid off it is to get it removed or extracted with the help of a comedome extractor. This can be best done by a Dermatologist. Once you get it removed you should use a Tretinoin cream locally over the area at night time which would prevent it from re-occurrence. And one should also keep the area clean using a anti acne soap(medicated) .
If this doesn't help then one can take oral retinoids for 5-6 months depending upon ones body weight. Oral Retinoids is a prescription based medicine and you should get it prescribed by a dermatologist only. There are certain blood tests which needs to be carried out before one takes retinoids, and there are certain precautions which needs to be taken once started.
The above medicines are not OTC, but then there are certain comedones/black head strips also available as OTC, which can be applied at night. This might help in taking away the clog.
Hope this answers your query. In case of any doubts, I am available for the follow ups.
Regards,
Dr.Bharat chawda.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
Answered by
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